Hotel Valley Ho

Hotel Valley Ho, Scottsdale

A 10-minute walk from downtown Scottsdale, the Hotel Valley Ho, its name most likely inspired by the long-ago repurposed Westward Ho, once the area's premier hotel, has the kind of riches-to-rags to riches story that makes the crowd hanging around the pool on weekends not just hip but part of history. Opened in 1956, its then-futuristic design of red-tinted concrete, stone, and glass—and the celebrity-filled address book of is owners—quickly made the Valley Ho a magnet for the likes of movie stars Robert Wagner and Natalie Wood, who held their wedding reception here. But as the Hollywood crowd knows best, fame wanes, and the hotel eventually reached such a low point that it was nearly torn down. It was saved due to its historic significance, and after a massive renovation that preserved many original elements, it re-emerged in 2006 not only with its trendy reputation revived but recognized as one of the country's best examples of mid-century hotel architecture. (The addition of a seven-story tower block was part of the original design but not built until the renovation.) Guest rooms are bright with colors that wouldn't be out of place on South Beach. And the pool is still the place to be.

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Embrace Midcentury Mod at Hotel Valley Ho

Hotel Valley Ho is one of the finest examples of midcentury hotels still standing and, boy, does it still wow. The lobby (pictured) is wonderfully cozy and full of the clean lines and bright colors this era is known for. Its history also impresses: During its heyday, the hotel hosted everyone from Janet Leigh to Robert Wagner and Natalie Wood, who held their wedding reception on-site. But, even if you're not a midcentury geek, you'll find plenty of reasons to love the Valley Ho. I highly recommend a Tuscan kale salad and a HO-J (think the best orange shake of your life), then a lounge by the martini-shaped pool (see the green umbrella? That's the olive.).